FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. How does a qualified person apply to live and work in New Zealand?

The first step to take is to decide if you intend to relocate to New Zealand temporarily or on a permanent basis. This will determine which visa class or classes apply to you.

Applicants for Permanent Residence can apply under the following:

Family Category : For those with close family ties to New Zealand
General Skilled Category : For qualified trades-people and professionals
Business Category : For Entrepreneurs and Investors

2. What is a Residence Permit?

A Residence Permit allows you to reside in New Zealand for an indefinite period of time. But this permit will expire once you leave New Zeeland. You must have a valid Returning Residence Visa in your passport to ensure your re-entry into New Zealand. Your first Returning Residence Visa will be issued when residence is approved.

3. Who can be included in an application for residence?

The principal applicant, the applicant's partner and dependent children can be included in one application. "Partner" includes wife or a de facto partner who has lived with the applicant in a stable relationship for more than two years. Dependent children include unmarried children of age 19 years or below. They are considered dependent if they are totally dependent on their parents for support and have no children of their own.

4. Who is the principal applicant?

The principal applicant is the applicant for residence rather than the spouse or children if applicable. The person may be either person in a relationship, providing that person meets policy.

5. How long does it take to get a permanent residence visa?

Processing times largely depend on the type of visa being applied for. However it takes most applicants for permanent residence in New Zealand 6 to 8 months to receive a final decision from the New Zealand immigration authorities.

6. Once approved when must I move to New Zealand?

Your arrival must be within one year from the date of your medical tests which occur during the processing of your residence visa application.

7. When I migrate, will I lose my current passport?

No. The New Zealand Government allows dual-nationality (i.e. the holding of two passports), so you could retain your current passport and obtain a New Zealand passport as well.

8. What benefits will I enjoy as a permanent resident?

A permanent resident is entitled to all that New Zealand residents and citizens are entitled to, with the exception of:

• Unemployment benefits for the first 2 years from their arrival date
  
• Travels on a New Zealand passport, until they have met the requirements of the Citizenship Act
  
• Some government agencies require all staff to be citizens of new Zealand.

9. Will having a family in New Zealand help me to immigrate?

Family sponsorship can assist you in making an application, but it is not the only relevant issue. There are many different types of visa classes. The General Skills Category operates on a points test system. Family relationships are just one of the factor points that are awarded. There are also Family Migration Visa classes where the relationship and sponsorship will be the deciding factor.

10. Is there an age limit to applying for immigration?

There are maximum age limits set and they vary depending on which visa class you apply.

11. If I apply to immigrate to New Zealand what is the status of my spouse? If we both qualify who should apply?

The person who best meets the immigration criteria should apply as the principal applicant. If you are successful in obtaining Permanent Residence you spouse will have exactly the same rights and obligations as you do.

12. Are health examinations needed for permanent residence?

All applicants for permanent visas are required to undergo health examinations. You and all dependant family members must meet strict health standards designed to protect New Zealand from high health risks and costs. If an applicant cannot meet the health requirement, the visa application must be refused under the Migration Regulations.

13. What medical examinations do I have to undergo to qualify?

A medical test is the standard procedure to qualify and you need to pass a blood test and the X-rays of your chest will be taken.

14. What is the New Zealand Qualifications Authority?

The NZQA is an independent Government body. One of its roles is to conduct independent evaluations of overseas qualifications.

15. Do I need to be interviewed by the NZIS?

Under current policies, unless there are difficulties with the case, applicants are unlikely to be required to attend an interview with an immigration officer.

16. Who can sponsor me into New Zealand?

Under General Skills category close family members who have legally lived in New Zealand for at least 3 years can sponsor a person. Under Family Policy the same close family members may sponsor people, but they do not have to meet the three-year residence requirement.

17. Who is a close family member?

A close family member generally includes parents, brothers and sisters and children over the age of 18,who are able to financially support the applicant(s).